About the CBA

The Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center opened its doors to the public on April 9, 1981, becoming one of the most important resources Puerto Rico has for developing its cultural life. The facilities serve as a stage for various artistic expressions, support local artists, and promote international cultural exchange.

Puerto Rico's theatrical tradition began in the early 20th century, with notable growth during the 1930s and 1940s. The Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña's theatrical promotion program, led by Francisco Arriví, significantly boosted the development of Puerto Rican theater. This expansion generated various performance companies — zarzuela, ballet, and folk dance — creating the need for appropriate cultural facilities, which eventually led to the creation of the CBA.

Today, with 45 years of history, the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center is recognized as the premier performing arts venue in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, welcoming more than 230,000 visitors a year.

The Center houses an impressive collection of artworks in its exterior and interior spaces, commissioned from prominent Puerto Rican and international artists.

Exterior Works

Muses

Annex Burgos · Juan Morel Campos Plaza

Nine bronze sculptures representing Caribbean artistic expressions: singing, dancing, literature, architecture, design, visual arts, film, music, and theater. Each piece stands six feet tall, inspired by Greek muses with a Caribbean aesthetic.

Mural "Las Musas"

Augusto Marín · Main Facade

Abstract work on the main facade representing the different performing arts: music, dance, theater, bel canto. Made from concrete, fiberglass, and colored stones from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Donated by Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (inaugurated August 18, 1982).

Forma y Trópico

Luis Hernández Cruz

Glass stained window measuring approximately 20 by 39 feet, composed of 5,700 glass pieces in 54 panels. The artist used thirty-seven colors evoking tropical light, vegetation, sky, and sea.

Reflejo Melódico

Luis Torruella · Ponce de León Ave. Entrance

Nearly 40-foot aluminum sculpture at the main entrance, suggesting string instruments and musical staff lines.

Mural Canto al Sol

Jaime Suárez · South Wing

Work on the south wing of the building, donated by Universal Insurance (June 25, 1982).

Cloud

Abstract Sculpture · 1976

12-foot abstract aluminum sculpture, working in stone, wood, terracotta, and aluminum sheets.

Interior Works

El Otello de Paoli

Eric Tabales · Antonio Paoli Festival Hall

Work measuring 9 by 30 feet using oxides, silver, copper, gold leaf, and Baccarat, Murano, and Lalique crystals. Commissioned for the CBA's 30th anniversary in 2011.

Paisaje Nocturno

Sylvia Blanco · Festival Hall

Clay sculpture donated by Chase Manhattan Bank.

Portrait of René Marqués

Jorge Rechani · Drama Hall

Oil portrait of Puerto Rican playwright René Marqués, who gives his name to the hall.

Cristo

Augusto Marín · Drama Hall (1986)

Oil painting that forms part of the theater's permanent collection.

Nube (Cloud)

Luis Hernández · Drama Hall (1983)

Marble sculpture from the permanent collection.

Cruciforme

Jaime Suárez · Drama Hall (1981)

Work in wood and rope that forms part of the center's inaugural collection.

The "Bellas Artes Atesora el Ambiente" initiative seeks to develop the center's environmental impact areas, educating citizens about the botanical specimens housed on the grounds.

Royal Palm

Roystonea borinqueña

Native to Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Ornamental species whose roots do not damage pavement.

Flamboyán

Delonix regia

One of the most colorful trees in the world for its red-orange flowers, native to the dry forests of Madagascar.

Areca Palm

Chrysalidocarpus lutescens

Primarily ornamental species, native to Madagascar.

Dracaena Tree

Dracaena draco

Native to Africa and surrounding regions. Possesses recognized therapeutic capabilities.

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

One of the most popular ficus used as an indoor plant, native to Asia and the Pacific.

Cupey Tree

Clusia rosa

Endemic to the Caribbean. Indigenous communities used its aerial roots as spear shafts.

Tamarind Tree

Tamarindus indica

Of African tropical origin. Its pulp, leaves, and bark have medicinal benefits.

Plumo Palm

Syagrus romanzoffiana

South American species native to Brazil and Paraguay.

Red Palm

Cyrtostachys renda

Southeast Asian species that promotes cardiovascular health.